What’s new at
The Olde White Church
Love in Action
Greetings All!
May was a very exciting month here at The Olde White Church, and the month of June proves to be just as exciting! June happens to be my favorite month for various reasons, not the least of which we can say goodbye to chilly spring weather and formally welcome summer!
This June is another joyful June where we are able to welcome new members. Well, maybe not new members, per say, but our confirmands are making the transition from being “our kids” to full-fledged voting members of this congregation! We are also celebrating all of our children this month as Sunday School comes to a close on June 8th. We will be having a very special worship service just for them. But don’t worry, people of all ages will be blessed by this service.
I know many people travel during the summer and churches tend to grow a bit quiet, but I tell you this is not the case here at The Olde White Church. All summer long our church will be filled with excitement, with singing, with dancing, with children’s voices and with the worship that the Spirit has so graciously given to us that fills us to the brim! I truly hope that, amongst all of your summer excitement, travels, and adventures that you have the opportunity to praise God in all that you do, whether here or afar.
We are continuing to explore many different ways to worship together. A spirit of revival has blessed us here at The Olde White Church, and I am so grateful for the openness that we have for the many gifts of the spirit. Come and explore all the ways in which God can be felt in your lives.
Blessings in Christ,
Reverend Holly Norwick
JUNE
2014
NEWS FROM THE PEWS
SUNDAY CHOIR: Bonita, Danielle and Joyce hold choir
rehearsals every Sunday at 8:30 am and musical offerings
every other Sunday. Everyone is invited to join. No prior
choir experience is necessary. Just an open heart for
worship!! This is an informal choir for anyone who enjoys
singing. The upcoming dates for the musical offerings are
June 8 & 22. For more information, call Dr. Bonita Cade at
508-472-6309.
*************************************** AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY:
Afternoon Bible Study meets every Tuesday at 2:00 pm
with Rev. Norwick. During the month of June, they will
be meeting on June 10, 17 & 24. No Bible Study on June
3. All are welcome!!! During July and August, Bible
Study will take a summer break and resume in
September.
************************************
Congratulations to
Stephanie and Joel Sutherland on the Baptism
of their son, Blake Michael Sutherland, in our
sanctuary on Sunday, June 8, 2014. He is also the
great-grandson of Bette Cookson.
************************************
39th
ANNUAL SWANSEA
QUILT CLUB SHOW
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2013
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The Olde White Church
1113 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA
Featuring Quilt Displays, Knitting Displays, Quilt
Demonstrations, Quilts for sale, Vendors, Home Made Pastries,
and much much more….
Contact: Marty Gendron – 508-674-2576
or Connie Lutz – 508-674-7205
Summer Office Hours
We would like to make everyone aware of the
Church Office Hours going into the summer
months.
The Church Office Hours for July and August will
be Tuesdays from 9:00 – 2:00 pm. If you need any
help with outgoing work or questions answered,
please call the office at that time at 508-673-7179.
Pastor Holly Norwick will be recuperating from her
surgery during July, and will return to the office in
August. If you need to reach her, please call 808-
371-4701. She, or a Deacon, will be able to assist
you.
IN OUR PRAYERS:
Romaine Hass, Dorothy O’Neil, and Gail Green who
are home. Let’s continue to pray for and reach out to
our friends with cards and phone calls.
Elsie McNeill, who is recuperating from a fall at
Clifton Rehabilitative Nursing Center, 500 Wilbur
Avenue, Somerset, MA 02725. The main number is
508-675-7589. She welcomes cards, visits, and calls at
any time.
Our beloved friend & longtime member of
The Olde White Church,
Madeline James,
passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2014.
Madeline (Goff) James, "Maddie" age 96, of Swansea died May 29, 2014 at her
son's home. She was the wife of the late Henry C. James.
Born in East Providence, a daughter of the late Adelbert and Edna (Carpenter)
Goff, she spent her youth in RI, moving to Swansea in 1954. She was a
graduate of East Providence High School and attended Bryant College.
Mrs. James worked as a secretary for the Swansea Water District, retiring in
1986. She was a longtime member of the First Christian Congregational Church
where she served as secretary and worked in its Thrift Shop. She was a
member of the Swansea Garden Club, and the Swansea Historical Society.
She was well known for her braided rugs, cane back chairs and refinished
antique furniture. She enjoyed knitting, baking, sewing, gardening, writing
letters, entertaining friends and, most of all, spending time with her family. An
exceptional woman, she was most content helping others. She was a lifelong
swimmer, swimming regularly up until her 96th birthday.
Surviving are two sons: Robert G. James and wife Susan of Sandwich, and
William Henry James, DC and wife Desiree of Livingston, NJ; three daughters:
Susan Demers and husband Robert, Marianne "Bay" Owen, all of Little
Compton, and Diane R. James, DC of Oakland, CA; 11 grandchildren, five great
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was sister of the late
Adelbert Anthony Goff, Marion Borden and Ruth Hetherington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the First Christian Congregational
Church would be welcome. Burial is private.Arrangements in the care of Waring-
Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Birchcrest, Swansea.
A Celebration of her life will be held on
Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 4:00 pm at First Christian
Congregational Church in Swansea with a Collation
immediately following in Fellowship Hall.
All are welcome to attend the Service
for our beloved friend.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!
A very special Thank You to everyone who helped make Memorial Day Weekend
such a wonderful tribute to our military and their families, as well as all of the
veterans here at The Olde White Church, past, present, and future.
To Henning “HOW” Anderson, a Swansea boy scout who just earned his merit badge in
bugling and graciously returned to offer his talents again at our Memorial Day Sunday Service.
To Bob Sampson, veteran agent, who is so instrumental in allowing The Olde White Church
to serve our local veterans.
To American Legion Post 303, who partners with The Olde White Church in saluting those
that serve our country.
To the Town of Swansea for the wonderful Memorial Day Ceremonies.
To the Creative Sisters for the wonderful Mother’s Day carnations. They worked long and
hard to make Mother’s Day special for all the women in the church.
To the May Breakfast Crew for such a wonderful event for all. Special thanks to
Martha Curtis, Marilyn Marvel and Edna Cartin for organizing the breakfast, Louise
Slowe for organizing the May Baskets, and all our wonderful volunteers and candy
makers. These events would not be successful without the cooperation and volunteerism of
the whole congregation.
To Richard Waite for continuing to take care of our lawn care maintenance.
To Everyone who donated books to Becky Chace’s Summer Camp Program in East
Providence who are helping to decrease summer learning loss by including literacy and math
skills into summer activities, as well as giving away books to the children.
To Ray Mullen Music Studio for two wonderful Spring Recitals held in our sanctuary on
May 3 & 4.
To the Thrifty Shoppe for their generous contributions in making Michael Browner’s
farewell something Michael described as “one of the most blessed days of his life”. The
continued generosity of the Thrifty Shoppe and all of you help us to support and honor our
friends here at the church as well as those outside the church.
To Mary Finnin for leading an Adult Grief Support Group in March and April.
To Rev. John Wilson for leading a session on The Healing Light in April and May.
To Studio Theater Company, for hosting the Kids Theater Camp. We are looking forward
to the production of Seussical performed on August 22, 23, & 24.
________________________________________________________________________
MAY BREAKFAST UPDATE
On May 10th, another very successful May Breakfast was held at The Olde White Church. More than 40 members and friends of the Church helped out during this busy day. The food was delicious and the May baskets were a big success. The profit for the breakfast was a little over $1,100. THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who worked decorating, preparing, cooking, serving or cleaning up. Without all your help we could not have the breakfast each year.
A very special thank you to Dottie & Richard Waite,
Louise Slowe, and all the other
volunteers who have helped
continue to make coffee
fellowship run so smoothly
during the month of May.
Sara Lundquist
________________________
PROPERTY COMMITTEE…
The Property Committee was given a modified proposal
requesting to use some of our excess property in the back
lot closest to the car dealership for a Community garden.
Local farmers are involved in this proposal for
developing a Community garden in our back lot. The
Property Committee believes that this will be a safer
location for a Community garden, with better access to a
water source than the originally proposed location across
Rt. 6 from the Church. Please speak to a Property
Committee member if you would like to be involved in
our sponsorship of a Community garden at the Church.
A special thank you to Richard Waite, David Lundquist,
Bob Baker, Martha Curtis, Jeff Douglass, and Dawn &
Raymond Pelletier for working so hard to get the
Community garden project started.
_____________________________
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not
hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such
as these.” – Matt 19:14
The First Christian Congregational Church is excited to
announce that we are exploring the possibility of being
the new home of Perfect Start Preschool. Perfect Start
Preschool is formerly Christ Church Preschool who
closed this past week after 60 years of instructing our
children. Lisa and Shawn Murphy, now the owners of
Perfect Start Preschool, have been working closely with
us to see if our church is a good fit for the preschool. We
hope to be a perfect new start for the Perfect Start
Preschool!
THRIFTY SHOPPE NEWS The Thrifty Shoppe will be closing on June 14 with a
bag sale from 9:30 am until 1:00 pm. Everything will
be one half price, except jewelry, for the weeks in June
that we are open.
The Shoppe has experienced a very successful year due
to the many dedicated workers who come and work on
Wednesdays and Saturdays. Thank you to everyone
who has helped out in a large or small way. Without
your help we would not be able to donate a large
portion of money to the Church each year.
A luncheon will be held at Marilyn Marvels’ on June
18 at 12:00 for all the workers.
_____________________
STUDIO THEATER COMPANY Our friends, The Studio Theatre Company, are
beginning their Kids Theatre Camp here at The Olde
White Church on June 2. Theatre Camp is each
Monday and Wednesday evening from 6 - 8 pm and is
open to all children! There are still a few spaces left,
so if you or anyone else that you know, are interested
in joining this fun and exciting theatre camp
experience, please contact Roger Machado-Fournier at
401-624-2157.
Also, coming this Summer, The Studio Theatre
Company proudly presents Seussical the Musical!
Over the summer, the Kids Theatre Camp, along with
the rest of the cast of Seussical, will be rehearsing to
bring you this fun-filled musical that will capture the
hearts of all ages! Performance dates are Friday,
August 22 at 7 pm, Saturday, August 23 at 7 pm, and
Sunday, August 24 at 3pm. This show is sure to sell
out, so if you want to be a part of this exciting
adventure into the land of Dr. Seuss, be on the lookout
for ticket ordering forms and reserve your seat. This
amazing show would be a gift for any child (whether 1
or 100) to experience!
FROM THE DEACONS……
Did you know that the Deacons have a handbook which
defines their many responsibilities? Some of them have
been part of the role of deacons over the centuries; others
are specific to the structure of The Olde White Church.
You may have noticed that this church has no committee
designated for world mission. However, Article X from
the church’s constitution, which is included in the
handbook, states, “It shall be the responsibility of the
Board of Deacons to: . . . b) Cooperate with the Pastor in
outreach programs: (another word for outreach programs
is mission) . . . 2. Prioritize denominational outreach as
part of the budget; 3. Strive to participate in world-wide
outreach through budget and action.” Within the
Deacons’ Budget, $200 is designated for UCC mission,
therefore through your regular church offering you are
already a part of this. However, this month you are being
offered the opportunity to contribute directly to one of
our denominational special offerings, One Great Hour of
Sharing, if you can do so in addition to your regular
offering.
OGHS carries God’s message of love and hope to people
in 138 countries. Through participating partners, it
already has a network in place to assist when disasters
occur. By participating in OGHS you can smile when
you receive appeals for many causes because you know
that OGHS workers are there and you have already
given! To learn more about OGHS please read the
enclosed leaflet, go to the web site, www.ucc.org/oghs,
upper left hand corner, Frequently Asked Questions, and
read the weekly Sunday bulletin inserts during the month
of June. Please return the enclosed envelope to the
church office or place it in the offering plate. If you
receive your newsletter by email, the insert and
envelopes are available on the table in the vestibule.
There is still time for you to volunteer your talents to
design or help create banners for the Advent/Christmas
season. Please speak to Pastor Holly, one of the deacons,
or notify the church office if you feel called to be a part
of this project. The committee will begin meeting after
Labor Day.
The Local Crop Walk is in jeopardy! A general
coordinator or co-coordinator is needed. There will be a
meeting on June 30th at noon at the Congregational
Christian Church in Somerset when the decision will be
made. An excellent job description exists. Bring a bag
lunch and join the decision making.
During the month of July, the deacons will be
responsible for Sunday services as Pastor Holly is
recuperating from surgery. Please come to listen and
worship with our lay leaders.
Mark your calendars now for Sunday, September 28.
The Galileans will bring their music to our sanctuary at
2:00 pm in the afternoon. The offering received from
this performance will go to the Samaritan Fund.
Do have a wonderful summer; - but don’t take a
vacation from supporting God’s work through The
Olde White Church.
Toosie Margolies,
for the Deacons ___________________________
MUSIC COMMITTEE…
The Music Committee would like to thank the Choir, Haylie
Schwarzenbach, the Tone Chimers, Henning “HOW”
Anderson, and Sue James Demers for their special musical
offerings during worship
services in May.
If anyone would like to
sing, play an instrument, or
give any sort of musical
offering, please see Rev.
Norwick
______________________________________
ALL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The next All Committee Meeting date is Sunday, June 8 at
11:30 am after fellowship.
As a reminder to those who are not on a committee,
committee meetings are open to all. Please feel invited to
attend any of the meetings to experience the many ways in
which one can serve here at The Olde White Church. If you
have any questions, please contact Rev. Norwick.
Board of Religious Education…..
Congratulations Confirmands!
Micah Cade-White
Jael “Zippy” Cade-White
Sara Orton
Maya Pappas
Haylie Schwarzenbach
Benjamin Simbro
Alyson Tavares
Your dedication and hard work has inspired all of us here
at The Olde White Church, and we welcome you with
open arms into the full participation of this congregation.
We are eager to see and experience the many gifts that
you have to share with this church family. We couldn’t
be more proud of the next generation. You give each of
us hope for the future of this church family, and the
greater family of God here on earth. You are an
inspiration to the children of this church who will soon
walk in your footsteps. May God bless each step you
take and may your faith grow with each new day!
_______________________________
Sunday, June 8th
marks the end of another Sunday
School year for our children at The Olde White Church.
We have been so blessed by our Religious Education
Staff and we want to congratulate, not only the kids, but
the teachers as well. Thank you so much…
Jill Tavares
Becky Chace
Simone Pappas
And all of the others who helped to teach our kids the
love and kindness that God asks of us. Please be sure to
celebrate Kid’s Sunday with us here at The Olde White
Church on June 8th
at 10 am!
Greetings Friends,
Many of you received my letter last month with the
news that I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
As you may recall, the treatment was to be a
lumpectomy and radiation. Unfortunately, during the
last few weeks at Dana-Farber, test results uncovered a
need for a new course of action. On July 3, I will be
undergoing a double mastectomy, and beginning the
first of several reconstruction surgeries. This initial
surgery will cause me to be on recovery for four weeks
(the month of July). During that time, your very
talented and dedicated Deacons will be serving you
Sunday for worship.
There will be three other procedures that I will undergo
over the course of the next 8-12 months, none that will
have me out for as long a recovery time as this first
procedure negates. I covet your prayers for my family
as we embark on this journey together. I count you
among my family and am so grateful for the outpouring
of love and support that I have received.
I wish to echo the words that I initially wrote to you:
I want you to know that I am going to be just fine.
Again, in case you missed that, I am going to be just
fine. Yes, having breast cancer, and facing surgery and
reconstruction is scary for me, but I am so very grateful
that it was caught early and that my doctors are
confident that after all of my treatment, I will be
cancer-free!
I am choosing to share this with you, because it is
important to me that you understand how much I love
and trust each of you. I also want you to know that,
during this process, I have NO intention of suspending
my doctoral degree pursuit, NOR do I intend to
withdraw from The Olde White Church. When I say
that I trust you, I truly mean that I trust you will
continue to allow me to be your Pastor; to love you and
to serve you and to care for you the same way you
would have otherwise allowed me to do before
receiving this letter. I implore you to continue to reach
out to me in your times of joy and of struggle and of
sickness and of loss. In return, I promise that I will be
forthcoming with you about my moments or days that
are difficult for me, and the fears that I may have.
Blessings to you all, and thank you for your love and
continued support.
Pastor Holly
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 Choir 8:30 am Confirmation Celebration Sunday!! 10:00 am
2 3 No Bible Study
4 Thrifty Shoppe 9:30 – 7 pm Quilt Club 1:00 – 3:00 pm
5
6 Food’N Friends Soup Kitchen – (leaving church at 3:00 pm) AA 7 – 8:30 pm
7 Quilt Show 10 am to 2 pm Thrifty Shoppe 9:30 – 4:00 pm
8 Choir 8:30 am Kids Sunday Service 10:00 am All Committee Meeting 11:30 am
9
10 Bible Study 2:00 pm
11
Thrifty Shoppe 9:30 – 7 pm
12
13 AA 7 – 8:30 pm
14 Thrifty Shoppe 9:30 – 4:00 pm
15 Choir 8:30 am Worship Service 10:00 am
16
17 Bible Study 2:00 pm
18
19
20 AA 7 – 8:30 pm
21
22 Choir 8:30 am Worship Service 10:00 am Choir 8:30 am
23
24 Bible Study 2:00 pm Newsletter Deadline
25 Executive Council 6:00 pm
26
27
AA 7 – 8:30 pm
28
29
Choir 8:30 am Worship Service 10 am
30
***Church Office Hours for June are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 – 2:00 pm*** ***Individual committee reports are due in church office by June 19 for distribution to E-Council***
First Christian Congregational Church
The Olde White Church 1113 GAR Highway
Swansea, MA 02777
UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS
All are Welcome!! Confirmation Celebration
Sunday
June 1st at 10:00 am
Quilt Show June 7 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Kids Sunday Service June 8 at 10:00 am
All Committee Meeting June 8 at 11:30 am
Father’s Day Service June 15 at 10:00 am
First Christian Congregational Church
The Olde White Church “A Church Where Faith is Active in Love”
1113 GAR Highway
Swansea, MA 02777
508-673-7179
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.theoldewhitechurch.org
Reverend Holly Norwick, Pastor
Worship Service and Sunday School at 10:00 am
Coffee and fellowship following worship
Bible Study on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays; 9 am – 2 pm
JUNE
2014
August
2010